pest control expert

Buy Now and Save on Subterranean Termite Treatment from Lenny’s Pest Control (34% Off)

Fort Myers / Cape Coral

The Deal

$659 – Install up to 15 termite bait stations. Then monitor quarterly for twelve months. Regular price is $999, you save $340! Renew after first year at only $300 yearly. Click here to buy now.

A Chat with Lenny’s Pest Control

What services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition?We are a family owned business. We have serviced Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties since 2001; we have over sixty years of pest and termite experience.

What was the inspiration to start or run this business?We were former managers for a large national company. We felt we could better serve our customers with a know-your-customer-better service.

What do you love most about your job?We love helping people.

What is the best reaction you’ve ever gotten from a customer?I can see why your personalized service is truly the best available.

In a Nutshell

From the merchant: Install up to 15 termite bait stations. Then monitor quarterly for twelve months. Renew after first year at $300 yearly.

The Fine Print

Promotional value expires 120 days after purchase. Amount paid never expires.Limit 1 per person, may buy 1 additional as a gift. Valid only within 20 miles of zip code 33903. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Buy now – click here. For the best Termite Prevention in Cape Coral and all of Southwest Florida see Lenny’s Pest Control.

Lenny’s Pest Control has a team of experts that specialize in Southwest Florida Pest Control and Termite Prevention inside and outside of your home or business. With over 50 years experience we are Southwest Florida’s #1 choice for tackling any kind of bug, pest, rodent or insect in your living or working space. Don’t try to fix it yourself, let the experts handle all of your pest control problems! We proudly service the Lee, Charlotte and Collier Counties. Call us at 239-945-6543or contact us to get a quote today!

We would love to come out to your home or business and inspect your property, give you an estimate and get your protected from pest, termites or lawn problems. Please give us a call at 239-945-6543for all your pest control needs in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral or any Southwest Florida area.

Take Advantage of our Discounted Group Rates!

Lenny’s Pest Control has special discounted group pricing for housing communities, gated communities, or large groups. We have a special offer going out to all the Jamaica Bay residents – if you would like a Group Rate for your community please give us a call and we’re happy to come out and give you a FREE consultation. 239-945-6543.

We have been serving the Southwest Florida area for over 13 years now and we would love to service your property every other month for a year at a special discounted rate. We can also take care of any whitefly, termite or rodent problems you may be experiencing in your home of commercial location.

Ask about our community specials! * minimum quantities required for these reduced rates.

For a limited time we’re ROLLING BACK THE PRICES TO THE YEAR 2001! Check out our coupons below and call NOW to save over the next year! Get $55 per bi-monthly Pest Control service when you sign up for one year of service by August 30th! Get $65 per bi-monthly service of Lawn Care when you sign up for one year of service (every other month) by August 30th. Hurry and call today (239) 443-7219 or (239) 243-4965!

Lenny’s Pest Control is all about educating you and helping you protect your home or office space from unwanted, bugs and pests. We always take time to answer all your questions and educate you about what needs to be done for your home, office or lawn. We are experienced in tackling ants, roaches, mice, the Whitefly, GRUBS, termites and any other insects in your yard or living space. We have a team of experts that specialize in Southwest Florida Pest Control inside and outside of your home or place of business and we do the job right the first time. Don’t try to fix it yourself, let the experts handle all of your pest control problems! We proudly service Residential or Commercial clients in the Lee, Charlotte and Collier Counties. Call us at 239-443-7219 / 239-243-4965 to get a quote today!

We want to take this time to say THANK YOU for reading our blogs, liking us on Facebook. Please subscribe to our newsletter if you haven’t already done so. We also appreciate our many loyal clients for all their years of patronage.

At Lenny’s Pest Control of Southwest Florida we are always on the lookout for news, articles and valuable information to share with you about the Pest Control world. Today we would like to share this very important information on Spiders – how to identify them and understand if they are dangerous or venomous. If you would like a FREE spider Identification Chart along with First Aid spider bit procedures click here.

Spider identification of venomous and dangerous spiders most commonly found in homes, their habitat areas and venom toxicity.

Habitat – brown recluse is found in the United States from the east to the west coast, with predominance in the south.

Spider Identification – an adult spider is 1/4 to 3/4 inch in body – a dark violin shape is located on the top of the leg attachment region with the neck of the violin pointing backward toward the abdomen. Unlike most spiders that have 8 eyes, the brown recluse has 6 eyes arranged in pairs – one pair in front and a pair on either side.

BLACK WIDOW SPIDER

Black Widow Spiders …highly venomous – can be deadly

Venom toxicity – the Black Widow Spider can inflict a painful bite which can be fatal, especially to the young and elderly. An effective anti-venom was developed in 1956. Only a small amount of venom can cause serious illness, as the poison attacks the nervous system. Systemic envenomisation usually results in headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, pyrexia and hypertension. The pain around the bite area can be excruciating or it may go unnoticed. First aid and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible, if bitten. If you have heart condition or other heart problem, you may need hospitalization.

Spider Identification – the body of an adult black widow is about 1/2 inch long. The female black widow is normally shiny black, with a red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen. The marking may range in color from yellowish orange to red and its shape may range from an hourglass to a dot.

Habitat – prefers woodpiles, rubble piles, under stones, in hollow stumps, sheds and garages. Indoors it can be found in undisturbed, cluttered areas in basements and crawl spaces.

BLACK WIDOWSPIDER

Hobo Spiders : venomous – dangerous?

Venom toxicity – although the bite of the hobo spider is initially painless, the bite can be serious. After 24 hours, the bite develops into a blister and after 24-36 hours, the blister breaks open, leaving an open, oozing ulceration. Typically when the venom is injected, the victim will experience an immediate redness, which develops around the bite. The most common reported symptom is severe headache. Other symptoms can include nausea, weakness, fatigue, temporary memory loss and vision impairment. In any case, first aid and medical attention should be sought, if bitten, as and when any adverse health effects are observed.

Spider Identification – they are brown in color and the adults measure roughly 1/3 to 2/3 inch in body length and 2/3 to 2 inches in leg span. Their abdomens have several chevron shaped markings. Males are distinctively different from females in that they have two large palpi (mouth parts) that look like boxing gloves. Females tend to have a larger and rounder abdomen when compared to males.

Habitat – they can be found anywhere in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado. They rarely climb vertical surfaces and are uncommon above basements or ground level.

GRASSSPIDER

Funnel Web Grass Spiders: low risk, non-aggressive

Venom toxicity – the bite of these spiders is of low risk to humans.

Spider Identification – are common outdoors and are occasionally found indoors. They are generally brownish or grayish with light and dark stripes near the head. They have long spinnerets and are moderate-sized (3/4 inch long). Grass spiders construct a large sheet web with a funnel they use as a retreat. These webs are commonly built on the ground, around steps, window wells, foundations, and low shrubs.

Habitat – These spiders are often called grass spiders because they construct their webs in tall grass, heavy ground cover and the branches of thick shrubs. Rarely will a funnel web spider be seen indoors, except for an occasional wandering male. They are found mostly in the Pacific Northwest states.

FEMALEMOUSE SPIDER

Mouse Spiders …venomous – painful bite

Venom toxicity – known to cause severe illness, especially to young children – similar to Red-Back Spider. Although normally not aggressive, the male mouse spider will bite if provoked, and should be considered dangerous to humans. It has large hard fangs which can cause a deep painful bite. First aid and medical attention (ambulance) should be sought as soon as possible.

Spider Identification – a medium to large spider of up to 1 and 1/2 inches in body length. The male Mouse Spider often has a bright red head and elongated fangs.

MALEMOUSE SPIDER

Habitat – Mouse spiders are ground dwellers with burrows of more than 3 feet deep. The male often wanders about during the day on open ground, especially after rain, in search of females. Notes: the male Mouse Spider is smaller than the female mouse spider and has a red tip but otherwise looks very similar to the female spider. We are showcasing both here for you to be able to better identify if you have had contact with either a male or female Mouse Spider.

BLACKHOUSE SPIDER

Black House Spiders …venomous – nausea

Venom toxicity – the bite of the Black House Spider is poisonous but not lethal. Certain people bitten experience severe pain around the bite site, heavy sweating, muscular pains, vomiting, headaches and giddiness. First aid and medical attention (ambulance) should be sought as soon as possible.

Spider Identification – adults are about 1/2 inch in body length and of a dark brown to black velvet textured appearance.

Habitat – this spider spins a lacy, messy web and is prefers dry habitats in secluded locations. It is commonly found in window framing, under eaves, gutters, in brickwork, sheds, toilets and among rocks and bark. Electric lights attract their prey – moths, flies, mosquitoes and other insects.

WOLF SPIDER

Wolf Spiders …venomous – non-aggressive

Venom toxicity – the bite of the Wolf Spider is poisonous but not lethal. Although non-aggressive, they bite freely if provoked and should be considered dangerous to humans. The bite may be very painful. First aid and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible, particularly as to children or the elderly.

Spider Identification – an adult is 1/2 inch to more than 1 inch in body length – mottled gray to brown in color, with a distinct Union Jack impression on its back. The female carries it’s young on its back.

Habitat – this spider is a ground dweller, with a burrow retreat. It has a roving nocturnal lifestyle to hunt their prey and can move very rapidly when disturbed. Commonly found around the home, in garden areas with a silk lined burrow, sometimes with a lid or covered by leaf litter or grass woven with silk as a little fence around the rim of the burrow.

FEMALE TRAP-DOOR

Trap-Door Spiders …low risk – non-aggressive

Venom toxicity – the bite of the Trap-Door Spider is of low risk (non toxic) to humans. It is a non-aggressive spider – usually timid but may stand up and present it’s fangs if harassed. Rarely bites – but if so it can be painful.

Spider Identification – an adult is about 1 and 1/2 inches in body length – brown to dark brown in color – heavily covered with fine hairs. The male has distinct boxing glove-shaped palps, that is, the two “sensory feelers” at front of its head.

Habitat – this spider is a ground dweller, with a burrow retreat lined with silk of up to 10 inches in depth and around 1 inch in width – prefers nesting in drier exposed locations – often has a wafer-like lid on the burrow entrance. Trap-Door Spiders are commonly found in the drier open ground areas around the home.

GARDENORB-WEAVING

Orb-Weaving Spiders …low risk – non-aggressive

Venom toxicity – the bite of Orb-Weaving Spiders is of low risk (not toxic) to humans. They are a non-aggressive group of spiders. Seldom bite. Be careful not to walk into their webs at night – the fright of this spider crawling over one’s face can be terrifying and may cause a heart attack, particularly to the susceptible over 40 year olds.

Spider Identification – an adult is about 2/3 to more than 1 inch in body length – has a bulbous abdomen – often colorful – dark to light brown pattern. The common Golden Orb-Weaver Spider has a purplish bulbous abdomen with fine hairs.

Habitat – often found in summer in garden areas around the home – they spin a large circular web of 6 feet or more, often between buildings and shrubs, to snare flying insects, such as, flies and mosquitoes.

SAINT ANDREW’S CROSS

St Andrews Cross Spiders …low risk – non-aggressive

Venom toxicity – the bite of the St Andrews Cross is of low risk (non-toxic) to humans. They are a non-aggressive group of spiders.

Spider Identification – adult 1/4″ to 1/2″ in body length – abdomen striped yellow and brown – as illustrated. The St Andrews Cross Spider usually sits, upside down, in the middle of its web forming a cross – as illustrated.

Habitat – this spider is a web-weaver usually found in summer in garden areas around the home. It is considered beneficial as it spins a large web to snare flying insects, such as flies and mosquitoes.

HUNTSMANSPIDER

Huntsman Spiders …low risk – non-aggressive

Venom toxicity – the bite of Huntsman Spiders is of low risk (non toxic) to humans. They are a non-aggressive group of spiders. However, a large individual can give a painful bite. Beware in summer when the female Huntsman Spider is guarding her egg sacs or young.

Spider Identification – an adult varies greatly around 1/2″ in body length – has long legs – the diameter of an adult including legs may reach 2″ – the first 2 pairs of legs are longer than rear two – it is hairy – buff to beige brown in color, with dark patches on the body.

Habitat – a hunter that prefers to live under the flaking bark of trees, under flat rocks and under eaves or within roof spaces of buildings. The Huntsman Spider often wanders into homes and is found perched on a wall. It is a shy, timid spider that can move sideways at lighting-fast speed when disturbed.

Click here to view original article with more details on first aid instructions for each spider as well as a FREE Spider Identification Chart from Termite.com.

Lenny’s Pest Control is all about educating you and helping you protect your home or office space from unwanted, bugs and pests. We always take time to answer all your questions and educate you about what needs to be done for your home, office or lawn. We are experienced in tackling ants, roaches, mice, the Whitefly, GRUBS, termites and any other insects in your yard or living space. We have a team of experts that specialize in Southwest Florida Pest Control inside and outside of your home or place of business and we do the job right the first time. Don’t try to fix it yourself, let the experts handle all of your pest control problems! We proudly service Residential or Commercial clients in the Lee, Charlotte and Collier Counties. Call us at 239-443-7219 / 239-243-4965 to get a quote today!

We want to take this time to say THANK YOU for reading our blogs, liking us on Facebook. Please subscribe to our newsletter if you haven’t already done so. We also appreciate our many loyal clients for all their years of patronage.

At Lenny’s Pest Control of Southwest Florida we are always on the lookout for news, articles and valuable information to share with you about the Pest Control world. Today we would like to share this article we found on Roach facts. This winter has been quite a wet one so don’t be surprised if you see them coming in out of the wet cold and into your warm dry space. Remember, we are always here and available to come out to your home or place of business and give you a FREE quote on our services. It’s much better to call the experts and have us give you the peace of mind that your home is truly protected. Call 239-945-6543 today to schedule your appointment and be sure to check our specialsso you can save money while you protect your home and family from those yucky unwanted pests!

Amazing Roach Facts

Run for Your Lives!

The world’s largest roach (which lives in South America) is six inches long with a one-foot wingspan.

Roaches By the Numbers

6 — Number of legs on a cockroach

18 — Number of knees on most cockroaches (at least!)

40– Number of minutes cockroaches can hold their breath

75 — Percentage of time that cockroaches spend just resting (how lazy can you get?)

5,000 — Number of species of cockroaches worldwide

280 million+ — Years ago that cockroaches are thought to have originated (during the Carboniferous era)

Bad News

Some female cockroaches mate once and are pregnant for the rest of their lives (bummer).

The Legend of the Headless Cockroach

A cockroach can live a week without its head. The roach only dies because without a mouth, it can’t drink water and dies of thirst.

Wanna Race?

Cockroaches can run up to three miles in an hour. (Hey, it’s no marathon, but it’s not bad.)

Better Check Those Cracks in the Wall

Young cockroaches need only a crack as thin as a dime (about .5mm wide) to crawl into. Adult males can squeeze into a space of 1.6mm or the thickness of a quarter. Pregnant females need the most space to hide: 4.5mm or a space as tall as two stacked nickels.

Little Hearts

A cockroach heart is nothing but a simple tube with valves. The tube can pump blood backwards and forwards in the insect. The heart can even stop moving without harming the roach.

If these facts aren’t enough to satisfy you (you must really want to impress your friends)

Thirsty Critters

Roaches can live without food for a month, but will only survive a week without water.

When Cold, Roaches Snuggle

Most species of roaches live in the tropics. But roaches live all over the world, including the North and South Poles. Pest cockroaches can withstand temperatures as cold as 32°F (0°C), but will die if the temperature goes much below that. In extremely cold places, however, they survive by moving in with humans. (Hey, quit hogging the covers!)

Better Than Air Jordans!

Cockroaches can climb walls because they are equipped with a set of little claws on their feet designed for that very purpose.

Crushed-Roach Bandages?

Crushed cockroaches can be applied to a stinging wound to help relieve the pain.

Smell You Later

Sniff, sniff…oh, it’s just Uncle Leo. Roaches use their feelers, or antennae, as noses. Their sense of smell is so great, they recognize family and friends by their distinctive odors.

Roach Perfume

Female roaches attract male roaches by producing pheromones. Pheromones are chemicals that make the female roach smell REALLY good to the male roach.

Alright Kids, Beat It!

Some female cockroaches incubate their egg cases in their bodies until they are ready to hatch. These babies stay with their mothers a day or two after they are born.

Yuck!

Male cockroaches transfer sperm to females in a “gift-wrapped” package called a spermatophore. Some males cover the package in a protein-rich wrapping that the female can eat to obtain nutrients to raise her young. Delicious!

Lenny’s Pest Control is all about educating you and helping you protect your home or office space from unwanted, bugs and pests. We always take time to answer all your questions and educate you about what needs to be done for your home, office or lawn. We are experienced in tackling ants, roaches, mice, the Whitefly, GRUBS, termites and any other insects in your yard or living space. We have a team of experts that specialize in Southwest Florida Pest Control inside and outside of your home or place of business and we do the job right the first time. Don’t try to fix it yourself, let the experts handle all of your pest control problems! We proudly service Residential or Commercial clients in the Lee, Charlotte and Collier Counties. Call us at 239-945-6543 to get a quote today!

We want to take this time to say THANK YOU for reading our blogs, liking us on Facebook. Please subscribe to our newsletter if you haven’t already done so. We also appreciate our many loyal clients for all their years of patronage.

The Whitefly

Whiteflies have become a major issue in Southwest Florida with at least four species of particular concern: Ficus, Rugose Spiraling, Bondar’s Nesting and Silverleaf. Residents have noticed plant leaves yellowing, dropping, covered with white waxy material called flocculent, or covered with whitefly excrement called honeydew and its accompanying sooty mold. Plants, walkways, cars, outdoor furniture and even pools may become covered with the sticky material or flocculent. Whiteflies are among the many pests that are part of living in a subtropical climate.

They can be managed with proper plant cultural practices; use of other beneficial insects, mites and fungi; and judicious application of the appropriate pesticides. A chronic problem in greenhouses, whiteflies can also become serious pests during the sultry days of late summer. These sucking insects often appear suddenly, and quickly weaken plants with their constant feeding. Whiteflies are most serious in warm climates where they can survive winter.

What Are Whiteflies?

Small, soft-bodied sucking insects, whiteflies look like tiny white triangles, less than one-tenth inch long, when resting on the undersides of plants. Feeding is concentrated on leaf undersides, where whiteflies remove so much plant sap that the plants are seriously weakened. Many species of whitefly feed on ornamental plants, but only one or two are likely to cause problems in the vegetable garden. Whiteflies are most likely to cause problems on okra, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and sweet potatoes grown in warm climates. In some areas, whiteflies also damage cucumber and cabbage-family crops.

What Whitefly Damage Looks Like

Pale, wilting leaves are a sign that whiteflies are sucking juices from leaf undersides. As you approach infested plants to inspect the lower sides of wilted leaves, hundreds of tiny white moths take to the air in a cloud. If the whiteflies have been feeding for several days, the leaves may have a sticky substance (whitefly honeydew) and ants may be present as honeydew consumers.

Whitefly Life Cycle

Whiteflies are greenhouse pests in all climates, but they are serious vegetable garden pests mostly in mild winter climates that permit their winter survival. When adult females find suitable host plants, they feed on leaf undersides and lay eggs there. A female may lay 200 to 400 eggs without moving from a plant. Upon hatching, the nearly invisibly small crawlers find a place to feed and insert their sucking mouthparts. Feeding continues for up to three weeks, when nymphs pupate into adults. Frequently problems are not noticed until a 30-day generation has passed, and a population has successfully flourished in the garden.

Lenny’s Pest Control has a team of experts that specialize in Southwest Florida Pest Control inside and outside of your home or business. With over 50 years experience we are Southwest Florida’s #1 choice for tackling any kind of bug, pest, rodent or insect in your living or working space. Don’t try to fix it yourself, let the experts handle all of your pest control problems! We proudly service the Lee, Charlotte and Collier Counties. Call 239-945-6543 to get a quote today!

Lenny’s Pest Control is all about educating you and helping you protect your home or office space from unwanted, bugs and pests. We always take time to answer all your questions and educate you about what needs to be done for your home, office or lawn. We are experienced in tackling ants, roaches, mice, the Whitefly, GRUBS, termites and any other insects in your yard or living space. We have a team of experts that specialize in Southwest Florida Pest Control inside and outside of your home or place of business and we do the job right the first time. Don’t try to fix it yourself, let the experts handle all of your pest control problems! We proudly service Residential or Commercial clients in the Lee, Charlotte and Collier Counties. Call us at 239-945-6543 to get a quote today!

We want to take this time to say THANK YOU for reading our blogs, liking us on Facebook. Please subscribe to our newsletter if you haven’t already done so. We also appreciate our many loyal clients for all their years of patronage.

Wishing you a blessed and Happy Easter!

Spring is such a beautiful time of year in Southwest Florida and Easter is the perfect occasion to enjoy a bug free day outdoors with family, friends, good food and great times. We want to take a moment to send some warm blessings your way and wish you a very Happy Easter!

We want to make sure you know how much we appreciate you and your preference! We enjoy being of service and we appreciate the opportunity to service you year after year! May your day be filled with fun, laughter and happy times in a bug free home!

Spring has arrived and it’s time to start your outdoor parting planning and relaxation. The question is – IS YOUR LAWN PEST FREE?

Pests are much more than just an inconvenience or annoyance in our daily living. Many present a significant risk of health as well as quality of life. Here at Lenny’s Pest Control we’ve just come to the realization that life is much better with pest control to keep away unwanted critters. The bottom line is you don’t want pests in your home or around your home either. We understand how important it is to keep the constant onslaught of ants, spiders, rodents, bed bugs and other common pests from encroaching into your home or business and we want to help.

Our outdoor pest control services can focus on eradicating specific kinds of pests that originate outside of the home, like mosquitoes and fire ants. While these pests might not be inside your home, they can affect your enjoyment of your yard. Now we all know that Southwest Florida offers the perfect weather to enjoy your yard all year-long and we believe you should enjoy it bug free. If mosquitoes or other pests are using your lawn as a place to play, then you should call us right away, especially if you have kids or pets that regularly play outside. Outdoor pest control can also act as a barrier to incoming insects and rodents, reducing the number of uninvited visitors that make it inside your home.

Visually, we can identify many lawn problems including: chinch bugs, fungus, grubs, sod webworms, etc… Our residential pest control technicians can immediately identify your pest problems and eliminate them from your home and surrounding areas. Our specialized Outdoor Perimeter Pest Control Services will treat the foundation and edges of your home to create a barrier of protection. Our outdoor pest control and perimeter pest control is very safe and means no treatment inside the home is necessary, so you don’t even have to be home at the time of service.

Indoor and Outdoor pest control from Lenny’s Pest Control can improve the health conditions of your home and lawn. Many of these pests are not only annoying or scary but can actually affect your health or the health of your family or your pets. For example our pest control services eliminate bugs such as centipedes, field ants and spiders can bite or sting and may cause allergic reactions or carry diseases that can make you ill or even become deadly. Insects can also destroy your property including paper (as in books or documents), furniture, fabrics including drapes, furs and food.

Outdoor Pest Control Services can help eliminate:

Ants

Millipedes

Centipedes

Earwigs

Boxelder bugs

Crickets

Fleas

Ticks

Spiders

Snowbugs

Clover mites

Silverfish

Non-nesting carpenter ants

Indoors or Out, Pest Problems Can Be Contained

If you have a serious pest problem inside and want to take action, consider hiring Lenny’s Pest Control to perform an indoor treatment that will greatly reduce and even eliminate your pest problem. If you’re looking at preventative measures, have a less urgent pest situation, or have a pest problem outside of the home, such as mosquitoes, an outdoor service plan is the recommended method of keeping those unwanted bugs and wildlife away from your home and out of your yard.

The unwanted presence of pests in and around your home can bring stress to your home life. Though controlling the problem may seem impossible, you have a wealth of options to get pests out of your house and off your property. Before long, you will be able to enjoy your home the way it was meant to be enjoyed—pest free

Lenny’s Pest Controlis here to help you reach your goal of a beautiful, healthy, lush Southwest Florida lawn! Our lawn care specialist will take the time to inspect your lawn and identify the current problems. We always take time to answer all your questions and educate you about what needs to be done for your lawn. We have a team of experts that specialize in Southwest Florida Pest Control inside and outside of your home. We are experienced in tackling the GRUBS and any other insects in your yard or living space. Don’t try to fix it yourself, let the experts handle all of your pest control problems! We proudly service the Lee, Charlotte and Collier Counties. Call us at 239-945-6543 to get a quote today!

We want to take this time to say THANK YOU for reading our blogs, liking us on Facebook, following us on twitter and connecting with us on LinkedIn. Please subscribe to our newsletter if you haven’t already done so. We also appreciate our many loyal clients for all their years of patronage

When Does Termite Season Start?

Termite season does not have a set beginning and end, as termites are active year round. The season when termites are most visible – through swarms, discarded wings and droppings – coincides roughly with the Major League Baseball season (March to November).

In warmer climates, termites remain consistently active year round. In cooler climates, termites typically are less active during the winter months (November – February). While termites in these areas may slow down during the holidays, their continued activity means that they can cause damage at any time.

How Long Is Termite Season?

The period of time termites are visible depends on where you live. Subterranean termites do not forage for food when the soil is too hot or cold. Depending on which U.S. state you call home, you may experience moderate temperatures for a few months a year – or almost all of the year.

The weather is not the only factor impacting activity. Termite activity also depends on the degree of shelter a colony receives in its nest. Drywood termites located inside a warm home are not as exposed to temperature variations, so seasonal weather changes will not impact them as much. Similarly, subterranean termites may create nests up to 18 inches below ground and away from the cool air, or forage in more protected areas of their nest during the winter. So they are often tucked away from cooler weather and are protected. Any temperature that is somewhat regulated, can provide a perfect place for termites.

When Does Termite Season End?

While termites typically are not visible year round, they can damage your house any month of the year. Regardless of the season or the outside temperature, if you see signs of termite infestation, contact your pest control professional. A trained Termite specialist knows what to look for even in the “off season” of Termites. It is always better to have your home checked periodically, than have to repair costly Termite damage. As you can see from the map below, termite risk is very high in the Florida panhandle.

Tips to Prevent Subterranean Termites

Prevent mulch from piling up against the home’s exterior. Mulch beds are generally areas of high moisture, and some mulch can serve as a primary food source. When using mulch, keep a barrier of at least several inches around the home.

Remove scrap lumber, boxes, old books and newspapers from crawl spaces. They are edible and may entice termites.

Maintain ventilation in crawl spaces. If not, they become ideal nesting sites for termites and other pests.

Have your home inspected by a professional at least once a year. Prompt treatment and regular inspections may save thousands of dollars in damage repair.

Florida species of Termites

Subterranean termites: The most destructive type, these bugs live in underground colonies and nests can contain more than 1 million termites. To travel above ground, they build dirt-like tunnels to shield them from predators and the weather. Inside a home, they will devour wood, furniture, drywall and even books.

Formosan termites: A non-native species, they arrived on warships returning from World War II. Infestations include Florida and 10 other states so far. They also live underground, but their colonies are much larger, often with millions. Because of their extreme size, Formosan colonies can cause more damage in a shorter period of time.

Drywood termites: Unlike their cousins, they don’t nest in the soil or build “shelter tubes.” They establish small colonies in dry, sound wood. As drywood termites eat, they produce small fecal pellets that look like sawdust around the home.

Whether you currently have termites or you want to protect your home against them, follow the tips above and those included in this blog post – click here to view and you’ll improve your chances of being termite free this spring. Lenny’s Pest Control is your trusted Termite Control and Prevention expert in Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers and the Southwest Florida area – call us and we’ll take care of your termite problems right away!

Lenny’s Pest Control is all about educating you and helping you protect your home and space from unwanted, bugs and pests. We would love to come out to your home or business and inspect your property, give you an estimate and get your protected. Please give us a call at (239) 945-6543 for all your pest control needs in southwest Florida.

We want to take this time to say THANK YOU for reading our blogs, liking us on Facebook, following us on twitter and connecting with us on LinkedIn. Please subscribe to our newsletter if you haven’t already done so. We also appreciate our many loyal clients for all their years of patronage!

Wishing you a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

On this beautiful day of friendship and love and we want to make sure you know how much we appreciate you and your preference! We love being of service and we appreciate the opportunity to service you year after year!

May your day be filled with love, laughter and happy times in a bug free home!

Termites: How to Reduce Your Home’s Risk of Infestation

Termites are the most economically important wood-destroying organism in the United States, with approximately $2 billion per year being spent for their prevention and treatment. This high-dollar amount could be reduced if homeowners implemented a number of relatively simple, inexpensive, practical measures around their home and outlying structures that reduce the risk of subterranean termite infestations. Such preventive measures are very cost-effective given that a home typically represents one’s largest monetary investment.

Many construction and landscaping features literally can invite termites into one’s home. An awareness of basic termite biology and habits can help you understand the necessity of certain prevention measures. The goal is to recognize and alter conditions around one’s home so as to reduce the termites’ environmental requirements for moisture, food (wood), and shelter.

Termite Biology and Habits

In many parts of the United States, subterranean termites are the most common type of termites that infest homes. These termites need moisture to survive. They are closely associated with the soil, where they typically construct an underground nest or a series of interconnected nests, hence the name “subterranean termites.” The termites excavate narrow tunnels through the soil, creating a network through which they can travel very long distances (hundreds of feet or more) to reach food. They also transport soil above ground to construct mud tubes (shelter tubes) and to line their feeding galleries in wood. Soil serves as a source of moisture that helps protect termites from the drying effects of air. It also shields termites from predators (ants, birds, lizards, etc.) that feed on them.

Cellulose (especially wood) is the main food source for subterranean termites. In nature, termites feed on dead wood, including roots and stumps. Around homes, termites readily feed on wood mulch used in landscaping. However, any type of mulch provides termites with needed moisture and protection from the elements. In homes, termites often first attack wood that is located close to the soil (i.e., lower parts of the house). They then can follow the framework of the house to gain access to upper levels and floors. As they feed, they excavate galleries in the wood. Termites also can tunnel through inedible materials such as foam insulation, plaster board, etc. as they search for food.

Do not unknowingly invite termites into your home!

Employ any of the following measures to help disrupt the termites’ ability to locate moisture, food (wood), and shelter.

Install trellises and trim plants so that they do not contact the house.

Do not build flower planters against the house.

Regularly inspect cracks or joints in concrete slabs for evidence of termites.

Install metal flashing when attaching porches or decks (even when using “treated” lumber) to an existing house.

Remove mulch that contacts siding or obscures a clear view of the foundation.

Never install foam board insulation (polystyrene) below grade.

Annual Inspection Checklist

Water is directed away from the foundation.

Wood and other cellulose materials (including mulch) are away from the foundation.

The foundation is exposed around the entire house.

The basement (or crawl space) is relatively dry.

Termite Entry Points

Whether you currently have termites or you want to protect your home against them, follow the tips included above and you’ll improve your chances of being termite free this spring. Lenny’s Pest Control is your trusted Termite Control and Prevention expert in Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers and the Southwest Florida area – call us and we’ll take care of your termite problems right away!

Lenny’s Pest Control is all about educating you and helping you protect your home and space from unwanted, bugs and pests. We would love to come out to your home or business and inspect your property, give you an estimate and get your protected. Please give us a call at (239) 945-6543 for all your pest control needs in southwest Florida.

We want to take this time to say THANK YOU for reading our blogs, liking us on Facebook, following us on twitter and connecting with us on LinkedIn. Please subscribe to our newsletter if you haven’t already done so. We also appreciate our many loyal clients for all their years of patronage!